Mature students

Like most universities, Prior Learning Assessment at OCAD University defines a mature student (for application purposes) as being "at least 20 years of age by September 1 of the year of intended enrolment."

Mature students at OCAD U range in age from their mid-twenties to their fifties, sixties and older and will define themselves quite differently!

Experience and challenge

Because the majority of the student body is in their late teens and early 20s, mature students often feel invisible and disconnected because they are thought to be professors or staff.

As a 25+ student, your experience will be different in many ways. You may have returned to school after a number of years away from study, or entering the university system for the first time at a later age. Regardless, you may feel challenged as you try to adjust to the university system:

"More" life experience may make it challenging to connect with others.

ACADEMIC ADVISING

All students (including mature students) are welcome to seek assistance through the Student Advising Centre any time during their academic year.

Academic advisors will:

Provide help, answers, support and advice

Assist with course selection and program planning

Discuss program requirements

Review educational path and identify opportunities

Connect students with on-campus resources

CAMPUS LIFE,
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

Level 5, 230 Richmond St. West (RHB)
416-977-6000, Ext. 275, 4021

Transition programming

Social, learning and development opportunities

Community-building

Fitness & Well-being:
Did you know that 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity a few times a week can boost your energy, improve concentration, reduce stress and clear your mind for creativity and inspiration? Programming on- or near-campus.

OCAD U Mature Student Association:
An online network and meeting place to support 25+ older than average, mature and part-time students at OCAD University, OMATSA is a collaborative forum for exchange of information on a variety of academic, career and social topics, in addition to promoting connection, networking, support, resources and community interaction.

O-DAYS!
We do not do "frosh" in the traditional sense. We do O-DAYS! (orientation), with activities at the end of August/beginning of September each year, designed to welcome ALL our new students — including you!

Student Mentor Program:

This Campus Life transition program owes its success to the many enthusiastic and keen upper-year students —some of which are mature students themselves—who get involved and volunteer their time to help and welcome new students. As peer mentors, they assist new and first-year students with transition to OCAD U. New mature students are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of the Student Mentor Program.

Student Volunteer Program:
This program offers all students the chance to participate in a long-standing tradition at OCAD U: volunteering to help out with university events and activities. Your university experience will be enhanced by increased interaction with other students, faculty and staff through the Student Volunteer Program.

CAMPUS SECURITY

CAMPUS TOURS

Tours of OCAD U facilities are offered by the Admissions & Recruitment office. (Peer mentors also conduct brief campus tours for new students attending Registration Assistance Days [RAD] in the summer).

CAREER DEVELOPMENT,
STUDENT SUCCESS PROGRAMS

The Career Development office at OCAD University is committed to working with all students and new graduates to provide direction, resources and opportunities that will help you to develop the skills and knowledge base required to be successful creative professionals, in any number of contexts and sectors.

CENTRE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (CSD)

OCAD U complies with accessibility legislation for students with disabilities. The CSD provides services to students (including mature students) with documented disabilities under the above categories. For more information, please visit the CSD pages.

FINANCIAL AID & AWARDS

OCAD U ensures that students with financial need (including mature students) have enough funding to meet the direct educational costs of attending university. All students are encouraged to apply for any scholarships, bursaries and awards that are available. For more detailed information, visit Financial Matters.

The Health & Wellness Centre is open to ALL students at OCAD U during the academic year, with modified hours during the summer sessions. For more detailed information, visit the Health & Wellness pages.

Are you one of over 200 international students studying and taking part in international programs at OCAD U? You have chosen to join an exciting, vibrant and creative community where you will be exposed to many new ideas and experiences in the heart of Toronto, Canada’s art and design hub. Find out what services are available to you as a mature international student by visiting the ISSO pages.

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR

Level 5, 230 Richmond St. West (RHB)
416-977-6000, Ext. 235

The Office of the Registrar provides services to students, teaching faculty, departments, faculties and external agencies in relation to academic records, course timetables, registration, university policies and enrolment reports. View their web pages for more information.

Has it been a few years since you had to do any writing or focus on studies? The Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) offers a number of free services to support students (including mature students) in the areas of writing, critical thinking, critical reading and study skills. Don't be shy. Visit the WLC pages for more information.

Prior learning assessment

ADMISSIONS & RECRUITMENT

Level 1, 230 Richmond St. West (RHB)
416-977-6000, Ext. 308

"Prior Learning Assessment is a method by which a student may, with appropriate evidence and documentation, be able to obtain credit for learning acquired outside of and prior to admission to the University..."

Read more detailed information about Advanced Standing, Articulation Agreements, Transfer of Credit, Course Challenge, Residency Requirements, Special Students and Second Credential.